No-sew is the way to go with this easy autumn table runner

I have friends who sew beautiful clothes and quilt amazing throws and spreads. I look at their work and marvel, and a little part of me says, "You should do that." Then the other part of my brain, the one that's trying to work out where each child has to be after school and how and when the house is going to get cleaned, reminds me that those projects take time, lots of time.

The sewing machine will just have to stay in the closet. I'll dust it off someday, but for now, I'll get out the fabric glue and cheat a little.

It's possible to make pretty things out of fabric without sewing. This week's project, a fall leaf table runner, is made from felt (which doesn't fray when cut) and using washable fabric glue. It can be put together in an evening.

What you need

• Felt
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Maple leaves (small, medium, large)
• Marker
• Patterned fabric
• Ribbon (assorted colours to complement fabric)
• Washable fabric glue
• Fine-tooth comb (optional)
• Gold glitter dimensional fabric paint (optional)

Step 1: Measure and cut a long rectangle from brown (or another colour) felt. Keep your table in mind when deciding what size to make the runner.

Step 2: Here's a little cheat. If your cutting isn't perfect, use a fine-tooth comb to soften the edges of the felt. This won't cover up big zigs and zags, but it will help even out small ones. Very gently, comb the edges.

Step 3: Working on the ?wrong' side of the felt, position three maple leaves near one end (see photo). Don't place them too close together. Tip: Oak leaves are beautiful, too, and you can use more than three leaves. Odd-numbered groupings tend to look best. Trace around the leaves using a marker. Repeat at the other end.

Step 4: Cut out each leaf. Small scissors, such as cuticle scissors, work well.

Step 5: Go through your fabric scraps or visit a fabric store to find interesting prints in autumn colours.

Step 6: Cut the fabric to fit over the leaves, leaving some overlap.

Step 7: Still on the "wrong" side, and working one leaf at a time, spread washable fabric glue around the leaf shape. Use a craft stick, toothpick or paintbrush to get the glue right to the edge. Don't apply too much. It can seep through the felt and leave a stain. Position and press the fabric in place. Repeat with each leaf.

Step 8: Cut short lengths of ribbon to make tassels. Choose different colours, widths and patterns. If the ribbon is apt to fray, carefully singe each end with a barbeque lighter. Do this step over the sink. Hold the flame near, not on, the end of the ribbon. The heat will melt and seal the ends. Use dots of washable fabric glue to attach the ribbons at each end.

Step 9: When the glue is dry, flip the runner over. As an option, outline each leaf in glittery gold using dimensional fabric paint.

A word of caution: Don't toss your autumn runner in the washing machine and dryer. The glue is washable and will likely withstand a gentle hand washing, but it won't survive the machine. Lay flat to dry.